How Fast Do Raspberries Grow?

Harvests

• Summer-bearing raspberries produce fruit on 1-year-old canes the summer after planting. Everbearing raspberries produce a small crop the summer after planting, and a larger crop the following year. They produce fruit on 1-year-old canes and new growth, as well. All raspberries bear a mature harvest three years after planting. One-year-old plants produce fruit just as quickly as more expensive 2-year-old plants. Once established, a healthy raspberry patch may produce as much as 1 qt. of fruit per foot of planting each summer. Raspberry patches may produce fruit for 15 years or more.

Plant Growth

• New canes emerge in the spring and may grow 3 to 4 feet high over the course of a summer. Older canes that weren't winter-killed also grow 3 to 4 feet, or more, depending on growing conditions and the variety. One-year-old canes may suffer winter damage in cold climates and produce fruit unreliably. Fall-bearing varieties are recommended for areas prone to late spring frosts and bitter winter temperatures. Since these types produce fruit on new wood, they are unaffected by winter weather.

Growing Conditions

• Plant raspberries in well-drained, rich soil in a sunny location for the best growth and yields. Raspberries grow wild in wooded areas, but they remain spindly and produce small fruit. Dig compost or manure into the soil before planting and keep the soil evenly moist, especially as the fruit develops. Fertilize raspberries with a balanced fertilizer in midspring to promote good growth. Mulch raspberry plants with straw or untreated grass clippings to conserve moisture. Cut out old, dead wood on summer-bearing raspberries. Prune fall-bearing raspberries the same way, or cut all the canes to the ground in the fall.

Disease

• Diseases, such as fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt, wilt leaves, reduce yields and may stunt growth. To prevent diseases in the raspberry patch, plant only certified disease-free plants obtained from nurseries. Space the plants at least two feet apart so they receive good air circulation. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to keep the leaves dry, and don't work in the garden while it is wet. Pick the berries when they are ripe and don't allow them to rot on the canes, which attracts disease-spreading insects.